“Weakness of attitude becomes weakness of character.
– Albert Einstein
attitude |Л?atiЛЊt(y)oЕЌd| noun a settled way of thinking or feeling about someone or something, typically one that is reflected in a person’s behavior : she took a tough attitude toward other people’s indulgences | being competitive is an attitude of mind | differences in attitude were apparent between ethnic groups. • a position of the body proper to or implying an action or mental state : the boy was standing in an attitude of despair, his chin sunk on his chest. • informal truculent or uncooperative behavior; a resentful or antagonistic manner : I asked the waiter for a clean fork, and all I got was attitude. • informal individuality and self-confidence as manifested by behavior or appearance; style : she snapped her fingers with attitude. • the orientation of an aircraft or spacecraft, relative to the direction of travel.
character |Л?kariktЙ™r| noun 1 the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual : running away was not in keeping with her character. • the distinctive nature of something : gas lamps give the area its character. • the quality of being individual, typically in an interesting or unusual way : the island is full of character. • strength and originality in a person’s nature : she had character as well as beauty. • a person’s good reputation : to what do I owe this attack on my character? • dated a written statement of someone’s good qualities; a recommendation.
Judges 4:9 (MSG) a great chapter to read for illustration of attitude.
She said, “Of course I’ll go with you. But understand that with an attitude like that, there’ll be no glory in it for you. GOD will use a woman’s hand to take care of Sisera.” Deborah got ready and went with Barak to Kedesh.
Romans 5:4 (MSG)
perseverance, character; and character, hope.
1 Corinthians 15:33 (MSG)
Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”
Philippians 2:5 (AMPL)
Let this same attitude and purpose and [humble] mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus: [Let Him be your example in humility:]
Gary and I have been watching the Winter Olympics in Torino, Italy with much enjoyment, We have had great moments of inspiration from the medal winners as well as all the great athletics participating except for a few. We saw American skaters, much to all our shame, as well as a pair of ice dancers from Italy show poor character because of bad attitude.
I think Einstein and Jesus got it right. What do you think?
thedailylily.com 
As I was reading this article on attitude, the phrase I have heard among some of my young students, “cop an attitude” kept going thru my mind. And although I have heard it before I researched the phrase to see what it really means. I found that to “cop an attitude” usually used in a derogatory sense means to show forth, vent, issue or erupt in an ATTITUDE, obviously in not a positive way. The issue here is that even though we strive to put forth a good showing in our communications, 1Cor. 15:33 says that, “BE NOT DECEIVED. EVIL COMMUNICATIONS CORRUPT GOOD MANNERS.” I believe that a bad attitude shows bad manners. It is bad behavior and bad etiquette. It also displeases the LORD as shown in the BOOK OF EXODUS when the Israelites “copped” bad attitudes as the Lord God was bringing them out of captivity into the promised land. They felt HE & Moses were NOT doing enough for them and they showed it by muttered complaining and frankly, nasty attitudes & accusations toward the Lord God.
This DOES show bad character. It shows ingratitude, selfishness and self-seeking. Bad attitude toward the situations in life make that situataion all the more difficult. It shows a lack of perserverance,and lack of faith. This certainly affects one’s character.
Our Word teachers tell us to change our attitudes and change our lives. What a difference an attitude change can make in the way one handles the grave circumstances that crop up in our lives that displease us and make us cranky and out of sorts. But a change of attitude is just like LOVE…..IT’S A CHOICE.
I think they got it right. And they challenge me to get it right, Debi, also! Colossians 3:12 tells us to PUT ON tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering…etc. For me this is often a deliberate conscious action that I have to do towards someone when I don’t feel like doing it and would rather do the opposite. It would be like to ‘PUT ON’ fertilizer so my plants will grow instead of doing nothing or worse yet putting poison on them so they will die. Putting on the attitude action in the above scripture produces or exhibits good character. Doing the opposite shows or produces bad character.
I think a lot about attitude. Being a sensitive person, my attitude can change at the drop of a hat, but there is a quote I’d like to share that I try to think about each day. (Maybe not a direct quote, but a paraphrase in quotes 🙂 )
“The only thing that we can control is our attitude. We can’t change what happens to us in life, but we can control the way we react to it”.
I find this to be so important because people need to remember that attitude needs to be worked on and it is a conscious decision all day long to have a positive attitude.
I like your quote, Stacie, about not being able to control every situation in life but being able to control how we react to it. That is very true and is very impowering. I also like to say that instead of my reacting to certain situations, I need to learn the PROPER RESPONSE to a situation. I have always been a prompt “RE-ACTOR” if you’ll pardon a pun. And often it is unthinking and visceral. That can get one in a greater “situation”. But learning to CHOOSE how to RESPOND to certain situations brings wisdom to the circumstances and give us authority and overcoming power to reign in the tough spots.
Stacie, 🙂 to see you back. We have missed you and your valuable wisdom!
I had to smile about the only thing we can control is our attitude! Sometimes I wonder why I am not doing a better job if I have that great ability? And, I got the answer loud and clear in your last sentence, work on it! I guess like practice makes perfect!